The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Farm Model Making - Session 1

Farm Model Making

A 1st grade STEM lesson

A. Marinelli

April 2023

Notes for teachers

• This lesson takes place in the classroom over the course of multiple STEM lesson periods.
• Work will be conducted individually (journaling), and in partners or small groups (hands on).
• Innovative ideas are encouraged.
• Facilitate a class discussion on how Dr. Temple Grandin thought differently and was therefore able to design new and innovative farm equipment used worldwide.
• Session 1- Click here
• Session 2- Click here
• Session 3- Click here
• Session 4- Click here

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List of Materials

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca and I am Temple Grandin by Brad Meltzer (YouTube links included)
• Farmhouse model building materials such as legos, blocks, cardboard, clay, playdough, colored paper, scissors, tape, glue, dirt, rocks, rulers, sticks, boxes
• STEM journal or paper for journaling, idea drafting, and revising
• Introduction to Agricultural Engineering videos (YouTube links included)

Outline of Lessons

1. Introduction to Dr. Temple Grandin, discussion and reflection journal on innovative thinking
2. Introduction to Agricultural Engineering, discussion and farm background knowledge journal
3. Small group or partner work designing a farm model, classroom gallery walk and sharing of farm models
4. Revising and improving farm models based on new learning from peers
5. Conclusion journaling on thinking about problems in a new way, agricultural engineering and innovative farming solutions

Standards

Technology-

K-2.3.d. Students, with guidance, explore real-world issues and share their ideas about them with others.

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ELA-

1.RI.1 Ask and answer questions such as who, what, where, why, and how about key details in a text.

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1.W.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

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Math-

1.MD.A Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units.

Science-

1.L2U2.7 Develop and use models about how living things use resources to grow and survive; design and evaluate habitats for organisms using earth materials.

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Science and Engineering Practices-

• ask questions and define problems
• develop and use models
• plan and carry out investigations
• analyze and interpret data
• use mathematical and computational thinking
• construct explanations and design solutions
• engage in argument from evidence
• obtain, evaluate and communicate information

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Standards

Objectives:

I can design and use models of how plants and animals use resources to survive. 1.L2U2.7

I can evaluate a farm system to see if I can improve it for plants and animals. 1.L2U2.7

I can develop a farm model, design solutions and explain my thinking. S&E Practices

I can write reflections, opinions and answers in my STEM journal. 1.W.1

I can ask and answer questions about key details in a text. 1.RI.1

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Agenda

Outline of Lessons

1. Introduction to Dr. Temple Grandin, discussion and reflection journal on innovative thinking
2. Introduction to Agricultural Engineering, discussion and farm background knowledge journal
3. Small group or partner work designing a farm model, classroom gallery walk and sharing of farm models, journal time
4. Revising and improving farm models based on new learning from peers, conclusion journaling on thinking about problems in a new way, agricultural engineering and innovative farming solutions
5. * If additional time is needed, you can move the final gallery walk and conclusion journal time to a fifth session.

Intro

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Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking that we used when we created them.”

What do you think about this quote?

How can thinking about things in a different way help us to find new ideas or solutions to problems?

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Session 1

Dr. Temple Grandin - a creative thinker

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When we are working on new ideas or inventions it is helpful to try to think differently or to view problems from different perspectives. In this way we can possibly be inspired to create a brand new solution.

Dr. Temple Grandin is a famous inventor who naturally thinks about things in different ways. We are going to read to find out more about her.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures https://youtu.be/jcruLjS0PJY

I Am Temple Grandin

PBS video (start at 16:00 min)

https://youtu.be/_CaMfsO2cZs

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Session 1

Dr. Temple Grandin’s Inventions

Hug Box- Used as a therapeutic tool. Inspired new designs such as weighted blankets and thunder shirts for dogs.

Reference link- https://bb7.com/dr-temple-grandin-the-main-squeeze/

Double Rail Restrainer System- Helps to keep cattle calm. Used on cattle ranches worldwide.

Reference link- https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/audio-stories/thinking-herd

Session 1

STEM Journal

In your journal write, draw or sketch a response to the following questions:

• Who is Dr. Temple Grandin? What was she famous for?
• How did thinking about things differently help Dr. Grandin invent things?

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We will continue working on inventions to improve farming both for the animals and to maximize use of space for growing food.

• Do you have any ideas for inventions to improve farming? Write, draw, or sketch them in your journal.

Session 1

Differentiation (Teacher view only)

• Consider how to pair or team up students. The makeup of each team can provide opportunities for support where needed.
• Print writing prompts on small papers for students to glue into their journal to support writing on topic.
• Give students a printed copy of the rubric for their reference while working.
• Consider breaking down parts of the rubric into a checklist for team review. Ex. Do the plants have:

___ water

____ sunlight

___ soil or nutrient solution

___ space to grow

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

• Students can write a summary paragraph describing how their thinking has changed over the course of the unit. It could describe thoughts on innovative thinking (referencing Dr. Temple Grandin and Autism), agricultural engineering or farming.
• Students could work in the school garden, home garden or plant seeds in cups in the classroom to further extend the learning about what plants need to survive.